Four men have been arrested following a high-speed pursuit through Auckland after a stolen ute was used in a home invasion. The incident began with reports of an aggravated burglary at a property on Bleakhouse Rd in Howick around 3:10pm on Tuesday.
Details of the Pursuit
According to Superintendent Shanan Gray, the offenders fled the scene in a stolen Ford Ranger and were armed with a machete. A woman at the property told 1News her husband was home at the time, and she described the incident as “very scary.”
The vehicle was tracked by Eagle as it traveled dangerously through Ōtara and Manukau, eventually entering the Southern Motorway and heading towards central Auckland. Police reported the ute was driven at high speeds and repeatedly crossed onto the wrong side of the road, posing a serious risk to public safety.
“Through the course of the incident, the vehicle was involved in several collisions with vehicles belonging to members of the public,” Superintendent Gray said. “Police vehicles were rammed on more than one occasion.”
Police deployed an armed offenders squad, a distraction device, a non-lethal sponge round, and a police dog during the pursuit.
Impact and Aftermath
St John responded to the scene with an ambulance, a rapid response unit, and an operations manager. One person was transported to the hospital in moderate condition, while three others were assessed at the scene with minor injuries.
Auckland Transport reported disruptions to several bus routes, including 18, 195, 209, 11T, 11W, 105, WX1, 866, and 966, with detours in place along Vincent St, Ponsonby Rd, and Hopetoun St.
Police are requesting information from anyone who may have been affected by the incident, particularly those whose vehicles may have been damaged by the white Ford Ranger between 3:15pm and 4:30pm. Individuals with information are asked to contact police on 105.
Frequently Asked Questions
What initiated this incident?
The incident began with reports of an aggravated burglary at a property on Bleakhouse Rd in Howick around 3:10pm on Tuesday.
What actions did police take during the pursuit?
Police deployed an armed offenders squad, rammed the vehicle with police cars, used a distraction device, a non-lethal sponge round, and a police dog to bring the pursuit to an end.
Were there any injuries reported?
One person was transported to the hospital in moderate condition, and three additional patients were assessed at the scene with minor injuries.
As investigations continue, what role might witness accounts play in understanding the full scope of events during this pursuit?
